Sweet
and sexy, the perfectly proportioned Boxster and Boxster S demonstrate Porsche's
innate ability to design cars that blessed with sex appeal for life. Seriously,
not even a Hostess Twinkie has the kind of shelf life that the Boxster-introduced
way back in 1997-has. Its balanced stance, racy wheels, hourglass figure and its
unmistakable Porsche face will ensure that it truly will never look bad. And never
look old. Still, a nip and a tuck are never a bad thing, so for 2003, the Boxster
gets new smoked taillamp lenses, painted grille slats and a glass back window
to set it apart from previous models. The
Boxster's interior has been updated regularly since its introduction way back
in 1997. Back then, it felt a little cheap. Now, however, it's a pretty comfortable,
convincingly upscale place to spend time, whether you're blasting up the back
roads or cruising down the main drag. The sport seats hug the body endearingly,
keeping you in place no matter what you engage in when the road gets twisty. The
dash features layered round gauges with a somewhat busy-looking center stack for
the tiny radio controls and digital climate controls.
The good news this year is the addition of a real glovebox to compliment its door-pocket
storage areas, as well as cupholders for your frozen mocha lattes. Add to that
the Boxster's two-count 'em-two trunks, and the thing looks downright practical! As
with any Porsche, the Boxster's beauty is more than skin deep. The 225-hp six-cylinder
in the Boxster wants for nothing, really, so only the performance die-hards and/or
label whores need apply for the 258-hp Boxster S. Both engines make noises like
no other engines in the world
between 4000 and 6500 rpm, the sound alone
will have you addicted, to say nothing of the thrust they provide. Stiff
and sticky are the buzzwords when it comes to ride and handling, respectively.The
Boxster's standard 16" wheels don't look as good nor hold the road quite
as well as the larger 17" and 18" optional rims, but they do offer the
best 'round-town ride quality. Any way it comes, however, you'll definitely come
to appreciate the kind of predictable feeling that the mid-engined Boxster delivers.
In terms of safety, you'll find standard front and side air bags, while stability
and traction control are optional. Price:
$42K-$60K
|